Colleagues pay tribute to "bubbly" Feltham father

COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to a 'bubbly' Feltham tug driver and budding pilot who lost his life in a motorbike accident last Friday.

Alan Jones, 49 and a father-of-two, dedicated his life to his family and job, working for Plane Handling-Dnata at Heathrow since 1995.

The Brainton Avenue resident died in the early hours of Saturday morning after his Suzuki motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car on Harlington Road West.

Colleagues were devastated by the sad news and described Alan as being a good natured and approachable man whose vast knowledge of the airport and aircraft was often drawn on for information and advice from many people.

The talented 49-year-old who was also a private pilot flying light aircraft for several years will be sorely missed by colleagues for his 'humour, great heart, and opinion on everything'.

Kevin Hutchins, Plane Handling, transport business manager, said: "I worked in the warehouse with Alan from the day he started at Plane Handling. He was a genuine grafter, nothing was too much trouble for him and always took pride of his work and his vehicles."

Alan who lived with wife Dianne and sons eight-year-old Owen, and 17-year-old Reece, was rushed to St Mary's Hospital where he died at 3.34am on Saturday, following the accident which took place as he traveled home from work.

During his years at the company he started out in the warehouse, before being transferred as a driver trucking freight to Manchester, and moved to the aircraft division in 2004 where he was a senior push back driver responsible for moving various aircraft and towing for flight deck operations.

Stewart Salmon, ramp general manager, said: "Alan’s enthusiasm for the job was second to none; he loved the airport environment and was a real character."

Mark Davey, aircraft movement and training supervisor, said: "I have known Alan for seven years, he was a great person to know and train, always willing to help out when he could.

"I will miss hearing his voice, seeing his bubbly character around the work place."

Gavin Berryman, airside service manager, said: "I have known Alan for some 10 years, initially as an HGV driver and then moving onto a push back driver.

"Alan has always been dedicated to his job and loved being around aircraft. He was a well respected driver and popular character with his colleagues, making us laugh most days with the banter of the crew room. Alan will be sorely missed but never forgotten."

The driver of the Seat car, which was in collision with Mr Jones' motorbike stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Officers from the road death investigation unit at Hampton are leading inquiries into the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information can call them on 020 8941 9011.